O/L paper marking : Special fuel arrangement under consideration

Although there are plans to give priority access to fuel for teachers engaged in General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (O/L) paper marking activities, the Education Ministry stated that there is no possibility of making special arrangements exclusively for ordinary school teachers under the current circumstances.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (19), Ministry’s Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that the Ministry is exploring ways to at least prioritise fuel access for teachers involved in marking O/L Examination papers. However, he noted that other teachers are also facing similar difficulties due to the ongoing fuel shortage, but that there is no possibility to make special arrangements for them. "This issue is not limited to the education sector and is being experienced by all public servants. It is difficult for the Government to extend special treatment to a specific group."

Speaking to The Daily Morning recently, Ceylon Teachers' Union’s President Priyantha Fernando said that many teachers rely on private transport, particularly motorcycles, to travel to school, and that the limited fuel availability is insufficient to meet their weekly travel needs. He added that some teachers travel 40 to 50 kilometres daily, making it difficult to sustain five-day attendance with the current fuel allocations. He also said that the situation has led to some principals and teachers applying for leave, as they are compelled to spend considerable time trying to obtain fuel.

In line with the Government’s decision to declare Wednesday a holiday for public servants in view of the prevailing situation, schools have also been closed on Wednesdays.

Source - The Morning